Project Prom returns for 2013

Published March 6, 2013 at 12:53 pm

Low-income teens from the metro area will have the opportunity find their dream prom dress and take it home March 30 – for free.
Brooklyn Park Women of Today is coordinating donations of prom dresses for teens. Member Jeni Asaba started Project Prom in 2007 in New York. Asaba was working as a project coordinator at the time for the New York Public Interest Research Group at Bronx Community College and was highly involved in hunger and homelessness issues.
“I wanted to give my students a way to help low-income teens, and I thought holding a prom dress drive was something they could get excited about,” Asaba said. “Also, the project hit home for many of them, as they expressed that they couldn’t afford a dress for their own prom just a few years prior.”
After relocating to Minnesota and joining the Brooklyn Park Women of Today, Asaba held the first Minnesota Project Prom in 2010. The organization collected more than 300 donated gowns that first year. “Year after year, I’m impressed with the generosity of the community,” Asaba said.
In order to continue making prom dreams come true, Asaba is asking for donations from anyone who wants to help out.
“We’re looking for new and gently used dresses, as well as any additional products and/or services people would be willing to provide.” Donations of dry cleaning vouchers, dress bags, jewelry, shoes, hangers, alteration services, hair appointments and nail appointments would also be helpful for Project Prom.
Low-income teens in need of a dress can register to attend the Saturday, March 30, prom dress distribution online at brooklynparkwt.org by selecting the Project Prom page.
All donations can be dropped off in the main lobby at the Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn Park; or at the Hennepin County Medical Center clinic, 7650 Zane Ave. N., Brooklyn Park.
Info: brooklynparkwt.org.